Book Title: An Introduction to Literature

Book Description

This text addresses a variety of approaches to the interpretation of literature in the form of fiction, poetry, and drama, in alignment with the official course competencies and description of the Maricopa County Community College District:

Course Description

Introduction to international literature through various forms of literary expression; e.g., poetry, drama, essay, autobiographical fiction, short story, and novel. Provides a global overview of literature with special emphasis on diverse cultural contributions of women, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.

Course Competencies

1. Analyze the impact of the setting and point of view in a work of fiction. (I)
2. Describe the way an author develops characterization in a work of fiction. (I)
3. Analyze how an author’s gender identity and/or ethnic or cultural background influences the development of his or her work. (I, II, III)
4. Differentiate between plot and theme in a work of fiction. (I)
5. Differentiate between a subject and a theme in a poem. (II)
6. Identify the most common poetic devices. (II)
7. Analyze examples of symbolism in fiction, poetry, and drama. (I, II, III)
8. Identify the major types of plays. (III)
9. Interpret a poem, a short story, and a play through oral and/or written discourse using literary criticism as a basis. (II, III)

Official Course Outline

1. Fiction: Short Stories and Novelette
   1. Setting
   2. Plot
   3. Character
   4. Point of view
   5. Theme
   6. Symbols and figurative language
   7. Styles
   8. Interpretation
      1. Gender identity
      2. Marxist
      3. Historical
      4. Ethnic identity
      5. Cultural identity
2. Poetry
   1. Types
   2. Forms
      1. Traditional verse
      2. Blank verse
      3. Free verse
   3. Poetic language
      1. Sound
      2. Imagery
      3. Figurative language
      4. Symbolism
   4. Interpretation
      1. Gender identity
      2. Marxist
      3. Historical
      4. Ethnic identity
      5. Cultural identity
3. Drama
   1. Types
      1. Tragedy
      2. Comedy
   2. Dramatic structure
   3. Characterization
   4. Interpretation
      1. Gender identity
      2. Marxist
      3. Historical
      4. Ethnic identity
      5. Cultural identity